July 12, 2013 -- The CT Lottery officially announced today that Kurt Brothers of Stafford Springs is the top prize winner in the “$500,000 Cash Bonanza” instant game’s final 2nd Chance Drawing.

Of the 708,239 total entries received (online, by mail and hand delivery), Brothers’ entry was randomly selected on June 13 as the drawing’s $500,000 top prize winner. In addition to Brothers, 10 entrants won prizes worth $500 each, and 20 others won prizes worth $200 each.

“It was crazy,” Brothers told Lottery officials. “I was driving in my car when I got the news that I won and was the grand prize winner,” said the 35-year old landscaper. “I was thinking that there was no way it could be true.”

As the drawing’s top prize winner, Brothers had the choice between a $500,000 prize paid as a 20-year annuity or the lump-sum equivalent. Yesterday, after weeks of careful consideration, Brothers arrived at Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill and opted for the annuity prize. “Winning a prize like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We wanted to make the most of it, so we took our time to do the right thing.”

With his wife, Michelle, happily by his side, Brothers accepted a prize check for $25,000 (value before taxes), the first of many more to come. “We’ve always wanted to build a house. Now we can,” said Brothers. “This is still so unbelievable.”

Brothers’ winning 2nd Chance Drawing entry ticket was purchased at Mill Pond Country Store, located at 220 East Street in Stafford.

Odds of winning a prize in the $500,000 Cash Bonanza 2nd Chance drawing vary based on the total number of eligible entries received. Sales for the CT Lottery instant game $500,000 Cash Bonanza have ended; there are no remaining 2nd Chance drawings to be held in the game.